Birkenstock explores connection to nature in Highwood installation

Promotion: footwear brand Birkenstock is launching a multisensory installation at its London creative residency space, Birkenstock Studio, where visitors are encouraged to reconnect with nature.

Spatial designer David Curtis-Ring, sound artist Justin Wiggan and Berlin-based company H.A.N.D.HIFI have contributed to the installation, which features plants, sculptural creations and a soundscape that is intended to be calming and grounding.

The creatives all have backgrounds in exploring nature through their practices. Curtis-Ring is known for creating otherworldly set designs and life size sculptures, Wiggan translates the frequencies and impulses from plants into audio, while H.A.N.D.HIFI handmakes speaker systems, often from wood.

The installation is timed to coincide with the launch of Birkenstock's new Highwood autumn/winter 2024 collection of closed boots and shoes.

The installation seeks to recontextualise the hidden benefits of the collection by tying together Birkenstock's approach to footwear design, which prioritises the natural walking action of the foot, with the experience of connecting to nature.

The nature theme also runs through the choice of materials and colours in the Highwood collection, which features leather and cork.

The styles in the Highwood collection include the Highwood Mid-Slip on boot and the Highwood Low Lace, which is a new silhouette for Birkenstock, and is described as marrying elegance and practicality.

Made from smooth oiled leather with a rubber outsole for grip, the Highwood Low is available in three colours: black, graphite and habana brown.

The Highwood Mid Slip-On Boot resembles a Chelsea boot and includes a cork element to its midsole, referencing Birkenstock's signature sandal material. The boot is available in Black, Taupe and Mocca.

Both shoes share Birkenstock's Deep Blue Footbed, which is intended to make the shoe comfortable enough to wear 24/7, with pronounced arch support and a deep heel cup.

The Highwood installation will be at Birkenstock Studio in Brick Lane. The studio is a creative residency space where Birkenstock has hosted a nine-month-long programme spotlighting multidisciplinary artists.

To further assist visitors in relaxing and becoming attuned to nature, there will be complimentary massages by East London company Bodied.

For further information on the Highwood collection or installation, see the Birkenstock website.

The photography is by Khali Ackford.

The installation takes place at Birkenstock Studios at The Truman Brewery in London from Saturday, October 12th to Tuesday, October 15th.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Birkenstock as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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